Meet Tabatha L. Gomillia

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tabatha L. Gomillia. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Tabatha L., thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

In Great Lakes, IL, 1990, at the United States Navy Electrician Mate “A” School, I found myself in a unique position. Among approximately 30 classmates, including five women, I stood out as the sole female persevering in the electrical class. Week after week, my female peers gradually left, leaving me as the last woman standing. It was then, in a defining moment, that a male classmate confronted me in front of everyone, expressing his doubts: “This course is hard; you’re not going to make it. You’re going to flunk out just like the other girls,” he sneered.
Despite the skepticism and the smirk on his face, that precise instant marked the birth of a leader.

I learned how to be effective/successful by believing in myself. I believe in myself and have developed a strong mindset that fuels my success. Setting a goal to complete my first electrical training course was a significant achievement, reflecting my determination and commitment. Surrounding myself with positive classmates created an environment that nurtured my personal growth, emphasizing the importance of positivity in learning.

As a career student, I embrace continuous learning and adaptability, recognizing the value of engaging with new people and concepts. Upholding a strong work ethic and approaching challenges with a positive attitude have been fundamental pillars of my journey towards success. I find that teaching others is not only fulfilling but also enhances my own learning experience.

Embracing diversity has been a profound teacher, instilling in me empathy, respect, and a deeper understanding of individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. By challenging stereotypes and promoting critical thinking through exposure to a variety of viewpoints, I contribute to building a more inclusive and tolerant work environment adding value to my society.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I am excited to share my journey as a Lead Electrical Inspector, Content Producer, and Digital Creator. My daily duties include conducting technical field inspections to ensure compliance with codes and standards is my passion. From detailed evaluations to issuing violation notices, I strive for safety and quality in electrical construction.
Transitioning into the world of podcasting with “Ask the Lady Electrical Inspector Podcast,” I aim to bring insights and expertise to a broader audience. The electrical industry’s continuous evolution fascinates me, driving me to be part of the innovative solutions shaping its future.

Problem-solving and analytical thinking are at the core of my work principles. Handling unexpected challenges like NEC issues and equipment listing and labeling issues showcases my adeptness in decision-making and information evaluation. These skills are instrumental in navigating project complexities and ensuring optimal outcomes in the completion of a successful construction project.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Prayer, Passion and Project Management

Prayer is an essential part of my daily routine. Prayer for me calms my soul, relieves unwanted stress, gives me peace and has tremendous healing power. My perspective, prayer in the workplace can offer benefits like increased focus, improved decision-making, enhanced emotional well-being, and greater productivity by providing a moment of reflection and peace amidst work pressures, allowing employees to approach challenges with a clearer mind and a more positive attitude; however, it’s crucial to respect diverse religious beliefs and ensure prayer practices are conducted in a way that is inclusive and does not create discomfort for others.

Being passionate about my chosen profession has contributes to my productivity and dedication in the workplace. It allows me to put effort into producing high-quality results and demonstrate my leadership potential to everyone that I assist. Understanding the importance of having passion for your craft can help you find ways to achieve it and improve your experience in your job. When I am passionate about a jobsite, it allows me to be creative. I research and develop better ideas and solutions for my passion, resolving critical electrical issues. Creativity enables problem-solving, which has help me to work more efficiently. It also encourages me to work with others and share ideas, leading to a more collaborative workplace. These skills showcase my leadership potential and ability to handle greater responsibilities. I have become more creative by collaborating with electrical contractors/electricians, General Contractors, and sharing ideals and working together to complete projects in a safe and timely manner.

Project management is a must-have skill for an electrical inspector, Content Producer, and Digital Creator, because it ensures the continuous execution of complex electrical industry projects. Regarding the dynamic nature of advancing electrical projects planning, project management becomes unavoidable.
Effective project management for electrical inspectors is crucial for meeting project goals, timelines and avoiding failed inspection causing delays for finalization. I enjoy being a value to the electrical industry and having an impact on the lives of people around my community.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

I am looking to partner with local trade schools and school districts, specifically targeting middle and high school students. My goal is to guide and mentor these students, offering support and advice that may ultimately evolve into classroom sessions focusing on different NEC code violations. Through practical electrical training, I aim to help them develop essential skills like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. By introducing them to the industry, emphasizing potential career paths, and jumpstarting their professional growth, students can better prepare for opportunities in the electrical construction field, ultimately boosting their earnings prospects.

Working closely with schools, I aspire to create tailored training programs that open doors to promising opportunities for students. Sharing my expertise to nurture a new generation of skilled electricians is my contribution to both the construction field and the community. As a mentor, I strive to be a positive role model, inspiring younger individuals by exemplifying good work ethics, guiding them towards constructive decisions, and serving as a relatable figure. Having relatable role models can instill a sense of pride and motivation in students, encouraging them to emulate positive behaviors and ultimately making a meaningful impact on our society.

Asktheladyelectricalinspector@gmail.com
https://youtube.com/@asktheladyelectricalinspector
Facebook Tabatha Gomillia (Asktheladyelectricalinspector)
Instagram Ask.the.lady.ei
Riverside.fm (Asktheladyelectricalinspector)
https://podcast.feedspot.com/ 60 Best Electrician Podcast (Asktheladyelectricalinspector)
https://rss.com/podcasts/ask-the-inspector-weekly-podcast-hosted-by-tabatha-l-gomillia/
https://podcastindex.org/podcast/
https://music.amazon.com/podcasts

Contact Info:

• Website: https://asktheladyei.wixsite.com/public
• Instagram: atlei2024
• Facebook: Tabatha L. Gomillia (Ask the Lady)
• Linkedin: Tabatha L. Gomillia
• Twitter: @ATLEI2024
• Youtube: Ask the Lady Electrical Inspector
• Other: Asktheladyelectricalinspector@gmail.com
  https://youtube.com/@asktheladyelectricalinspector
  Riverside.fm (Ask the lady electrical inspector)
  https://podcast.feedspot.com/ 60 Best Electrician Podcast (Ask the lady electrical inspector)
  https://rss.com/podcasts/ask-the-inspector-weekly-podcast-hosted-by-tabatha-l-gomillia/
  https://podcastindex.org/podcast/
  https://music.amazon.com/podcasts